From Friday, Jan. 12, to Sunday, Jan. 14, the University of Arizona women’s basketball team traveled to Oregon to play Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. The Wildcats left Oregon unsuccessful, losing both of their games. Arizona is now (10-7, 2-3 in Pac-12) on the season.

Arizona vs. Oregon State:

On Friday, Jan. 12, Arizona faced Oregon State in Corvallis, Oregon. This was a very intense game, but unfortunately for the Wildcats they received their sixth loss of the season. The starters for this game were Jada Williams, Kailyn Gilbert, Helena Pueyo, Esmery Martinez and Breya Cunningham.

Oregon State started off strong, but Arizona did not back down. After going scoreless on their first four shots of the game, the Wildcats made five of their next seven attempts. The Wildcats forced 25 turnovers in this tight match up, forcing at least 20 in its ninth game of the year. Arizona suffered with multiple players in foul trouble and Martinez received a technical foul.

Raegan Beers of Oregon State scored four free throws in the first overtime session to tie the score, and Gilbert scored two more buckets to send the game into a second overtime. Arizona was unable to keep up with the Beavers in the second overtime, ending the game 70-73.

Arizona vs. Oregon:

On Sunday, Jan.14, Arizona faced Oregon in Eugene, Oregon. This was a hard-fought battle, but the Wildcats came up short once again, losing their seventh game of the season. The starters for this game were also Jada Williams, Kailyn Gilbert, Helena Pueyo, Esmery Martinez and Breya Cunningham.

Pueyo received her 250th career steal in this game, and the Wildcats also forced 27 turnovers. In the first quarter, Arizona could not get to the basket, but they started to pick up the pace in the second quarter, shooting 58.8%. Williams had 23 points, and Arizona recorded its second-highest number of assists in a Pac-12 game of the year with 17.

Despite shooting 60.0% in the last quarter, the ‘Cats could not overcome their nine-point deficit, ending the game 68-70.

Postgame and looking ahead:

Even though the Wildcats lost both their games on the road, they showed tenacity and grit as they overcame the difficulties presented by two strong opponents. These games will surely be important teaching moments for the Arizona women’s basketball team as the season goes on, laying the groundwork for an entertaining journey.

Arizona’s next game will be against the University of Washington in Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion in Seattle, Washington on Friday, Jan. 19, at 8 p.m.

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